By David Appleton
One issue often overlooked in discussions about the challenges faced by our maritime workforce is seasickness. While it may seem trivial to some, it can significantly impact the health, morale, and performance of seafarers. That is why the findings of a 2024 study, revealing that a third of seafarers suffer from seasickness, are crucial to our ongoing efforts to improve working conditions at sea.
According to the research, one in three seafarers report experiencing seasickness during their careers – a statistic that is far from negligible. Given the vast number of women and men employed aboard ships across the world’s oceans, this equates to thousands of workers regularly facing a debilitating condition that affects not only their physical health but also their mental wellbeing. For many, seasickness is an unavoidable aspect of life at sea, yet it remains an issue often brushed aside or misunderstood by those both inside and outside the maritime industry.
Seasickness is not merely an inconvenience or mild discomfort. It can lead to a range of severe consequences. The condition is characterised by nausea, dizziness, and vomiting, exacerbated by the constant motion of a vessel on the open sea. For seafarers, being sick in such a confined space is not just unpleasant — it can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and reduced focus. As a result, seafarers suffering from seasickness may find it challenging to perform their duties effectively. This situation poses serious safety risks on board, especially where lean crewing models force individuals to carry out their duties while ill.
While there is a tendency to view seasickness as something all new seafarers must simply ‘get over’, the reality is far more complex. Factors such as vessel type, weather conditions, and an individual’s susceptibility to motion sickness all play a role in determining whether – and to what extent – someone will experience this affliction. For some, seasickness never fully resolves, resulting in years of suffering.
Taking steps
However, steps can be taken to address the issue. Seafarers are familiar with advice such as looking at the horizon or moving to the middle of the ship, where movement is reduced. Yet this advice is often impractical if working patterns or ship design do not allow for such measures. The industry must acknowledge that seasickness cannot simply be dismissed or swept under the rug; it is a condition that can be mitigated with due consideration.
Potential solutions include improved consideration of seafarer comfort during vessel design. For instance, accommodation spaces could be located near the ship’s centre of gravity, where movement is less pronounced. Cabins should ideally have a view of the horizon, unobstructed by cargo or equipment, and benefit from improved vibration and noise damping. Other measures might include ensuring sufficient crew numbers and handover times to allow for adjustment, comprehensive pre-voyage training, dietary adjustments, better access to medical treatment, and the development of technology to monitor and reduce the ship’s motion effects.
At Nautilus International, we continue to advocate for improving onboard living and working conditions, including creating more supportive environments for those affected by seasickness. We urge industry stakeholders to invest in research and support systems to enhance crew habitability. These improvements would not only boost performance and mental alertness but also enhance the quality of life for seafarers.
David Appleton is head of professional and technical at Nautilus International. World-leading expert in motion sickness Dr Tom Stoffregen from the University of Minnesota spoke with Nautilus International about the causes – and cures– of seasickness in its ‘Off course’ pod-cast.
